The first book in an epic new series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to clear her name for her father's murder. In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are deemed unnatural—even dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, is one of the most terrifying Affinites.
Ana’s ability to control blood has long been kept secret, but when her father, the emperor, is murdered, she is the only suspect. Now, to save her own life, Ana must find her father’s killer. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is one where corruption rules and a greater conspiracy is at work—one that threatens the very balance of Ana’s world.
There is only one person corrupt enough to help Ana get to the conspiracy’s core: Ramson Quicktongue. Ramson is a cunning crime lord with sinister plans—though he might have met his match in Ana. Because in this story, the princess might be the most dangerous player of all.
Praise for Blood Heir “
Cinematic storytelling at its best.”—
Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of
Sky in the Deep and
The Girl the Sea Gave Back
“Zhao shines in the fast-paced and vivid combat scenes, which lend a cinematic quality that
pulls readers in.”—NYT Book Review
“
Zhao is a master writer who weaves a powerful tale of loyalty, honor, and courage through a strong female protagonist. . . .
Readers will love the fast-paced energy and plot twists in this adventure-packed story.”
—SLJ
Amélie Wen Zhao is the
New York Times,
Sunday Times, and internationally bestselling author of
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom,
The Dragon and the Sun Lotus, the Song of the Last Kingdom duology, and the Blood Heir trilogy. She was born in Paris and grew up in Beijing, where she spent her days reenacting tales of legendary heroes, ancient kingdoms, and lost magic at her grandmother’s courtyard house. She attended college in the United States and now resides in New York City, working as a finance professional by day and fantasy author by night. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her family in China, where she’s determined to walk the rivers and lakes of old just like the practitioners in her novels do.
“
Zhao shines in the fast-paced and vivid combat scenes, which lend a cinematic quality that
pulls readers in.”—
NYT Book Review“
Blood Heir is
cinematic storytelling at its best. A stunning new voice in YA, Amélie Wen Zhao has drawn characters who are as complex and captivating as the fantastical world she’s built. Get ready for a retelling like you’ve never seen before.”
—
Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of
Sky in the Deep and
The Girl the Sea Gave Back
“Sure to keep readers turning pages…. Perfect for fans of Amy Tintera or Sarah J. Maas, but readers should prepare for
plenty of heartbreak.”
— Booklist
"
[A] pointed exploration into the consequences of exploitation and the defining nature of choices."
— Publishers Weekly
"Ana is not the typical damsel in distress."
— Kirkus Reviews
